Anti-Mycobacterium abscessus activity of tuberculosis F-ATP synthase inhibitor GaMF1

New drug targets and molecules with bactericidal activity are needed against the respiratory mycobacterial pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab). Employing a lead repurposing strategy, the anti-tuberculosis compound GaMF1 was tested against Mab. Whole cell- and ATP synthesis assays demonstrated that GaMF1 inhibits growth and kills Mab by targeting the F-ATP synthase. GaMF1’s anti-Mab activity increased in combination with clofazimine, rifabutin or amikacin The study expands the repertoire of anti-Mab compounds targeting oxidative phosphorylation. National Research Foundation (NRF) Submitted/Accepted version This work was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, NRF Competitive Research Programme (CRP), Grant Award Number NRF–CRP18–2017–01.